Public Comment Period Begins for City Environmental Justice Report

The report will help shape the City’s Environmental Justice Plan. On August 5, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the NYC Environmental Justice Advisory Board announced the start of a public comment period for the Environmental Justice for All Report. The Environmental Justice for All Report is a comprehensive study of environmental justice issues that impact New York City in order to develop a citywide Environmental Justice Plan. For CityLand’s prior coverage of <Read More>


Independent Baseball Team to Play at Richmond County Bank Ballpark

New ownership group will make improvements to venue and attract other events throughout the year to help boost economy for the North Shore of Staten Island. On July 23, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Staten Island Borough President James Oddo, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced an agreement with Staten Island Entertainment, LLC to bring professional baseball back to the north shore, replacing the departed Staten Island Yankees. Staten Island Entertainment … <Read More>


City Begins Construction on First of Borough-Based Jails in Kew Gardens

The structure will provide over 600 parking spaces and 25,000 square feet of flexible community space. On June 25, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the start of construction at one of the City’s four borough-based jails sites in Kew Gardens, Queens. The borough-based jails are part of the City’s controversial solution to shut down Rikers Island and replace the complex with four smaller, locally based jails in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn. The <Read More>


New Zoning Rules Adopted to Protect Coastal Areas from Climate Change

The citywide zoning changes will help to keep New York City coastal residents and businesses more prepared for climate change. On May 12, 2021, Mayor de Blasio announced new zoning rules to help protect homes and business located in New York City’s floodplain from climate change. The Zoning for Coastal Flood Resiliency, approved by the City Council earlier that day, helps to withstand and recover from major disasters and rising sea levels.


Public Beaches Open for Memorial Day Weekend

The full opening of beaches follows last year’s limited and restricted summer season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 28, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that eight public beaches across the city will be open for swimming starting Saturday, May 29 and will be open through Sunday, September 12, 2021. Swimming will be permitted when lifeguards are on duty between 10 AM to 6 PM and is prohibited when lifeguards are off duty.


City Resumes Curbside Composting, Expands Other Programs

The new version of the Curbside Composting service will make free composting services available to New Yorkers and the improved Program includes significant expansions. On April 22, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that New York City will be resuming its Curbside Composting Program, which was originally halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Earth Day announcement also included significant expansions to community composting, reuse, and hazardous waste disposal programs operated by the Department of … <Read More>